Mencía

Mencía is a fragrant, dark-skinned Spanish grape grown mainly in Bierzo and Ribeira Sacra in the northwest, often compared to a lighter, earthier cousin of Cabernet Franc or Pinot Noir. Old vines grown on steep, slate-rich hillsides produce elegant, structured wines, though the grape can turn out thin and diluted when overcropped on flatter, fertile land.

Also known as Jaen, Negra, Negro, Tinto Mencia, Tinto Mollar.